Scouting America Removes Diversity Spaces Following Pentagon Pressure

Scouting America eliminated dedicated spaces for women, gay youth, and scouts of color at its National Jamboree in West Virginia. The decision follows pressure from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who threatened to terminate the Pentagon's century-old partnership and logistical support for the organization unless it moved away from diversity initiatives, which he characterized as woke policies.

The reversal stems from a February agreement between the Pentagon and the organization. Details of this arrangement, which established a monitoring system to ensure compliance with the shift away from diversity initiatives, were made public via a lawsuit filed by activist James Dale. The military had threatened to cease support if these changes were not implemented by late August.

Approximately 15,000 participants attended the 10-day event, though some scouts and leaders chose to boycott the jamboree, citing a betrayal of the organization's core values and a reversal of the inclusion initiatives emphasized during its 2024 rebranding. A Scouting America spokesperson maintained that the organization remains fully committed to welcoming and serving all youth.